Windows 11 25H2 Enhancements: Speedier File Explorer and Enhanced Context Menus in Latest Build

This Friday marks the rollout of a new preview build for users in the Dev and Beta Channels. Microsoft has unveiled build 26220.7271, which introduces noteworthy enhancements like a full-screen Xbox Experience for a broader range of gaming devices, refined context menus in File Explorer, and some performance upgrades (albeit minor) for File Explorer, among other features.

What’s New in Build 26220.7271

Xbox Full-Screen Experience Now Available for PC

With today’s launch of the Xbox full-screen experience (FSE) for various Windows handhelds, Windows Insiders can also access the expanded FSE on additional Windows 11 PCs. This feature, aimed at enhancing controller navigation, provides a sleek, distraction-free interface that is perfect for gaming.

Experience seamless task switching and an optimized gaming setup by simply connecting a controller to your desktop, laptop, or tablet.

Accessing the Xbox Full-Screen Experience

To enter Xbox FSE, you can either use the Task View, adjust settings in the Game Bar, or simply press Win + F11 as a hotkey to toggle the feature on and off.

The Xbox full-screen experience will be rolled out progressively to Insiders on the Dev and Beta Channels, who are also Xbox Insiders. Eventually, this feature will be available to all Insiders in these channels without needing Xbox program registration.

New Point-in-Time Restore Feature

Windows is introducing a point-in-time restore feature available for Beta and Dev Channel Insiders. This versatile recovery option allows users to revert their devices to previous states, minimizing downtime and facilitating streamlined troubleshooting. Whether you’re facing a major system issue or a minor glitch, this feature ensures your apps, settings, and user files can be swiftly restored, getting you back to work quickly.

Fluid Dictation for Enhanced Voice Typing

Building on the previous implementation of Fluid Dictation for voice access, this update also brings the feature to voice typing on NPU devices. With Fluid Dictation, voice input becomes more intuitive, with real-time grammar, punctuation, and filler word corrections, significantly lessening the need for post-editing. This feature utilizes on-device small language models (SLMs) for rapid and private processing.

To activate it, focus on any text input field and initiate voice typing by pressing Windows + H. Fluid Dictation is enabled by default; you can adjust this setting through the options menu as needed.

Fluid dictation for voice access in Windows 11

Additional Improvements and Features

Seamless Integration with Android Devices

Users can now effortlessly transition their activities between Android phones and PCs:

Vivo Android phone owners can continue web browsing from the Vivo Browser directly to their PC’s default browser.
Honor, Huawei, Oppo, Samsung, and Vivo users can transition from the M365 Copilot app on their phones to the respective desktop applications for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, or to the default browser if the apps aren’t installed.

Improvements to Click-to-Do Functionality

Microsoft is currently testing enhancements to the Click-to-Do top bar, focusing on optimizing user experience, which may vary based on device and market.

File Explorer Enhancements

This build features significant updates to the context menus in File Explorer:

Streamlined context menus will reduce space taken by less frequently used options while maintaining easy accessibility.
A new ‘Manage file’ flyout has been introduced, consolidating actions like Compress to ZIP, Copy as Path, and Rotate Left/Right.
Cloud provider options have been categorized into their respective flyouts for better organization.
The ‘Send to My Phone’ option now appears alongside cloud provider selections for easier access.

Microsoft is also exploring the possibility of preloading File Explorer to enhance performance, which will ideally improve launch times. Users can opt out of this feature through File Explorer’s Folder Options.

Improved context menus in File Explorer in Windows 11

Updates to the Microsoft Store

In response to user feedback, uninstalling Store-managed apps is now straightforward. Users can remove apps directly from the Store’s library page by locating the app, clicking the three-dot menu, and selecting uninstall. This improvement is visible to all Windows Insiders using Microsoft Store version 22510.1401.x.x and above.

The updated Microsoft Store in Windows 11

Resolved Issues and Ongoing Bug Fixes

Taskbar and System Tray Fixes

Addressed a taskbar freezing issue caused by certain notifications.
Fixed an abnormal display of the battery icon in the taskbar when hovered over.

Internet Connectivity Improvements

Implemented enhancements to mitigate internet connectivity issues following disconnected standby.

Settings and File Explorer Updates

Rectified problems in the Recycle Bin command bar where options persisted after navigation.
Fixed a crash issue in Settings when accessing Camera, Location, or Microphone settings.
Corrected miscommunications in the Task Manager related to Die or CAMM memory form factors.

Known Bugs

Xbox Full-Screen Experience Issues

The on-screen keyboard is not available for users with a controller on non-touch screen devices; the physical keyboard serves as a temporary solution.
Some applications may exhibit unexpected behavior within FSE, particularly those designed to operate within fixed dimensions.

Other Issues

The Start menu may fail to open on click for certain Insiders, although it can still be accessed with the Windows key.
An investigation is underway regarding the improper display of apps in the system tray.
Layout issues in File Explorer when scaling text in dark mode are being investigated.

Stay updated by checking the official announcement blog post here.

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